Marlboro County High School senior Tysonia “Sunshine” Lowe signed a letter of intent on May 1, with family (including a photo of her late grandmother Pearl Lowe), teammates, coaches, and friends watching, to play basketball at Columbia College in Columbia.

Lowe, who served as captain of the Lady Bulldogs, will be a point guard and major in sports management at the college.

In an interview with the Herald-Advocate, Lowe said she picked Columbia College because the environment wasn’t too big or small.

“The coach told me that I am what they needed for the next season,” she said.

She thanked her family, Marlboro County High School, coaches, and uncle Speedy (Eddie Chaplin).

Principal Michael Dease spoke about her career at MCHS and her achieving the 1,000 points milestone.

“Sunshine is sunshine,” he said. “Sunshine is a joy to be around. Sunshine, we are very proud of you.”

Lowe was recognized for her milestone after the MCHS basketball game at home against Cheraw High School on Dec. 9.

Athletic Director Quin McCollum said they want to congratulate Lowe and her family on the next chapter of her life. “She couldn’t get that done without having a great work ethic,” he said “She couldn’t have got it done without having great ball skills. So, guys make sure you get all your business handled.”

Her pastor, Victor Kennedy, said Lowe was the drummer at St. Beulah Missionary Baptist Church.

Her mother, Sandra Lowe, said it has been a privilege and honor to be the parent of Lowe.

“I don’t know what the next moment is going to be with you because it is always surprising, but I do know that the doors that are getting ready to open for you are going to be great,” she said.

She encouraged other student-athletes in the room to always put God first and know even if the support system is not at home that there is always someone there to support them.

Chaplin said she had been with them since she was five or six and always wanted to play basketball.

“She took everything to the next level,” he said. “She loves the game. I am so proud of her. There is so much to say but there is more to come so there is no need to say anything.”